Glossary / Engine

air filter

48 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

The air filter keeps the engine clean by catching dust and dirt before it can get inside. A dirty filter can make a car run poorly or use more fuel.

Technical Definition

An air filter is a component that cleans the air entering an engine’s combustion chamber, preventing dirt and debris from damaging internal parts.

Hear It Discussed

"And I mean, I paid 1,300 bucks for my C280 [2120.1s] with a salvage title and 150,000 miles [2122.2s] that I have done basically nothing to other than an air filter."
This Unicorn Diesel Manual Slicktop Wagon Is One of Sacco’s Best — Carmudgeon Ep 240 w Jason Cammisa The Carmudgeon Show 35:22

"And it conducts the air that has gone through the air filter and through the air mass meter and gotten measured by the air mass meter into the engine to eventually burn up the gas."
#2641: How Cheap is Too Cheap? The Best of Car Talk 09:35

"Make sure you don't let the air filter get so dirty that it's sucking it into the engine. I've seen a couple of those lately."
The Experts in DIY Car Repair and Car Care Trusted Advice Under The Hood show 31:56